Rangers predicted XI vs Jagiellonia Bialystok as McInnes weighs key selection calls

Rangers predicted XI vs Jagiellonia Bialystok as Derek McInnes considers key changes

Derek McInnes has several big selection decisions to make as Rangers prepare for their Europa League qualifying trip to Poland.

The Light Blues face Jagiellonia Bialystok on Thursday evening in the first leg of their third qualifying-round tie, with a place in the Europa League play-off round at stake.

Rangers head into the European encounter looking for an improved performance after opening their Scottish Premiership campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Dundee United at Tannadice.

McInnes has also been handed an early defensive headache after Ben Godfrey suffered a hamstring problem that is expected to keep him out for around a month.

That absence could open the door for a new face at centre-back, while several other summer arrivals will be hoping to force their way into the starting lineup.

With McInnes potentially sticking with his preferred 4-4-2 system, here’s how Rangers could line up in Poland.

GK – Ivor Pandur

Pandur produced some important saves against Dundee United and also showed confidence when coming off his line. The new Rangers number one did little wrong at Tannadice and should retain his place.

RB – Dujon Sterling

Ross McCrorie provides serious competition at right-back, but Sterling could get the nod for this European encounter. His physicality and versatility may prove useful against Jagiellonia.

CB – Olwethu Makhanya

Godfrey’s injury could hand Makhanya an immediate opportunity. The £3million arrival from Philadelphia Union may be thrown straight into the starting XI for what would be a challenging Rangers debut.

CB – Emmanuel Fernandez

Fernandez should continue at the heart of the defence. After establishing himself as an important member of the squad last season, his presence becomes even more valuable with Rangers currently short of options in central defence.

LB – Tuur Rommens

Rommens is the only recognised left-back included in Rangers’ European squad, making him the obvious choice to start in Poland.

CM – Dan Neil

Neil made a positive impression after being introduced at half-time against Dundee United. His arrival helped Rangers improve, and McInnes could reward that performance by handing him a starting opportunity.

CM – Cammy Devlin

Devlin enjoyed an impressive pre-season and appears to have quickly earned the trust of McInnes. His energy and combative style could be particularly important in what is likely to be a demanding away fixture.

RM – Thelo Aasgaard

Aasgaard produced Rangers’ biggest moment at Tannadice with a superb equaliser and should keep his place. New Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota has travelled with the squad and could also be handed his debut from the bench.

LM – Findlay Curtis

McInnes has a decision to make between Curtis and Djeidi Gassama. After Gassama struggled against Dundee United, the Rangers academy graduate could be given an opportunity to impress from the start.

ST – Lawrence Shankland

Shankland has yet to hit top form, but the newly appointed Rangers captain remains one of McInnes’ most important players. A European goal could provide the striker with the confidence boost he needs early in the campaign.

ST – Youssef Chermiti

Chermiti made an impact after coming off the bench at Tannadice and could have done enough to earn a starting berth. McInnes may therefore decide to partner him with Shankland rather than stick with Ryan Naderi.

Predicted Rangers XI: Pandur; Sterling, Makhanya, Fernandez, Rommens; Aasgaard, Neil, Devlin, Curtis; Shankland, Chermiti.